IRCTC all set to enhance its e-catering portfolio

The empanelled SHGs will be displayed on E catering websites with their menu and prices.Passenger may choose meal or food items offered by SHGs and place the order.This will help in sustainable development of SHGs.ANI | January 02, 2016, 15:36 IST

The empanelled SHGs will be displayed on E catering websites with their menu and price.

New Delhi, Jan 2 : The famed culinary skills of Indian women will soon add to the taste of food served on the country's trains, as Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to tie up with a string of self-help groups (SHGs) for enhancing its e-catering portfolio.

The empanelled SHGs will be displayed on E catering websites with their menu and prices. Passenger may choose meal or food items offered by SHGs and place the order. This will help in sustainable development of SHGs.

"The proposed association with SHGs is part of our plan to empower women," said IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director Dr. A.K. Manocha. "The initiative aims to develop local communities and ensure all-inclusive growth."

The IRCTC head noted that India has no less than one crore SHGs, mostly functioning in rural and semi-urban areas with 10 to 20 members (majority women) per group. "We plan to collaborate with some of them which are into making food items," he added. "The finer points will evolve clear in the weeks to come."

Currently, IRCTC provides e-catering facility in all the trains passing through the most important 45 stations of Indian Railways. It also provides food to 1516 trains without pantry cars. The food is directly delivered by the vendor on the berth/ seat of the passenger.

The e-catering facility allows passengers to have food of their choice at agreeable prices while travelling. They book online at www.ecatering.irctc.co.in or by making a phone call to 0120-2383892-99 or the toll-free number at 1800-1034-139 or "1323". They can also choose to SMS to 139 by giving details of their PNR and seat number. The mobile app "Food On Track" is now available for booking too.

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